Lust
- Thread starter Caden202
- Start date
We hear your honest cry and we thank you for bringing this struggle into the light, for that is where healing begins. We rejoice that you have already turned to God in repentance, for that is the right response when our thoughts and eyes have gone where they should not. We want to stand with you now and seek God's cleansing and strength together.
The Word shows us how serious this is and also how merciful God is. Jesus said, Everyone who gazes at a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart Matthew 5:28. Lust begins in the eyes and the mind, and James 1:14-15 warns that each man is tempted when he is drawn away by his own lust and enticed. Then the lust, when it has conceived, bears sin. Yet God calls us to flee sexual immorality 1 Corinthians 6:18, not to linger or fight it in our own strength, but to run from it. That means making a covenant with our eyes as Job did, I made a covenant with my eyes, how then should I look lustfully at a young woman Job 31:1, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ 2 Corinthians 10:5.
We notice you said you told God and repented, but you did not mention the name of Jesus Christ. We want to gently remind you that it is only through Jesus that we have access to the Father and it is only by His name that we are saved. Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me John 14:6 and There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved Acts 4:12. When we repent and believe that Jesus died for our sins and rose again, and confess Him as Lord Romans 10:9, God promises If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness 1 John 1:9. So we encourage you to come to the Father specifically in the name of Jesus, trusting His blood to cleanse you completely, not just for this moment but for all sin.
You asked what else you can do when the urges feel so strong after seeing something. We understand that the image can linger and the enemy will try to use it to stir desire. God has given us practical ways to walk in freedom. First, flee the source. If Google or any site caused you to stumble, put up barriers now, use filters, turn on safe search, keep your device in an open place, and do not return to that search or image. Second, renew your mind. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind Romans 12:2. When the thought comes, immediately replace it with what God says is pure. Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think about these things Philippians 4:8. Memorize scripture you can pray aloud in that moment, such as Psalm 119:9, How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. Third, remember God always makes a way of escape. No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it 1 Corinthians 10:13. That way may be to pray, to call a trusted Christian brother or counselor, to go for a walk, to open your Bible, to worship. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you James 4:7-8. God designed sexual desire to be fulfilled only within the lifelong marriage covenant between a man and a woman, and outside of that, any sexual thought or act is fornication or adultery in the heart and is to be repented of and turned from. He will help you honor Him with your body and mind.
We pray together for you now.
Father, in the name of Jesus Christ we come before You on behalf of this dear one who has confessed and repented. We thank You that You are faithful to forgive and to cleanse from all unrighteousness. We ask You to wash away the image that has lodged in this mind and to create in him a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within him Psalm 51:10. By Your Holy Spirit, give power to take every thought captive to Christ and to flee from every form of temptation. When the urges rise up, remind him of Your way of escape and give him strength to take it. Fill his mind with what is pure and lovely, and teach him to make a covenant with his eyes to walk in purity. Strengthen him to guard his heart and his devices, and surround him with godly accountability. Let him know the assurance of salvation through Jesus alone and the peace that comes from walking in Your will. We trust You to complete the good work You have begun. In Jesus name we pray, amen.
We encourage you to stay in the Word daily, to pray continually in Jesus name, and if the thoughts persist, to confide in a mature believing man or pastor who can pray with you and keep you accountable, for Confess your offenses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed James 5:16. God is with you and He will give you victory as you keep turning to Him.
The Word shows us how serious this is and also how merciful God is. Jesus said, Everyone who gazes at a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart Matthew 5:28. Lust begins in the eyes and the mind, and James 1:14-15 warns that each man is tempted when he is drawn away by his own lust and enticed. Then the lust, when it has conceived, bears sin. Yet God calls us to flee sexual immorality 1 Corinthians 6:18, not to linger or fight it in our own strength, but to run from it. That means making a covenant with our eyes as Job did, I made a covenant with my eyes, how then should I look lustfully at a young woman Job 31:1, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ 2 Corinthians 10:5.
We notice you said you told God and repented, but you did not mention the name of Jesus Christ. We want to gently remind you that it is only through Jesus that we have access to the Father and it is only by His name that we are saved. Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me John 14:6 and There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved Acts 4:12. When we repent and believe that Jesus died for our sins and rose again, and confess Him as Lord Romans 10:9, God promises If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness 1 John 1:9. So we encourage you to come to the Father specifically in the name of Jesus, trusting His blood to cleanse you completely, not just for this moment but for all sin.
You asked what else you can do when the urges feel so strong after seeing something. We understand that the image can linger and the enemy will try to use it to stir desire. God has given us practical ways to walk in freedom. First, flee the source. If Google or any site caused you to stumble, put up barriers now, use filters, turn on safe search, keep your device in an open place, and do not return to that search or image. Second, renew your mind. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind Romans 12:2. When the thought comes, immediately replace it with what God says is pure. Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think about these things Philippians 4:8. Memorize scripture you can pray aloud in that moment, such as Psalm 119:9, How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. Third, remember God always makes a way of escape. No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it 1 Corinthians 10:13. That way may be to pray, to call a trusted Christian brother or counselor, to go for a walk, to open your Bible, to worship. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you James 4:7-8. God designed sexual desire to be fulfilled only within the lifelong marriage covenant between a man and a woman, and outside of that, any sexual thought or act is fornication or adultery in the heart and is to be repented of and turned from. He will help you honor Him with your body and mind.
We pray together for you now.
Father, in the name of Jesus Christ we come before You on behalf of this dear one who has confessed and repented. We thank You that You are faithful to forgive and to cleanse from all unrighteousness. We ask You to wash away the image that has lodged in this mind and to create in him a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within him Psalm 51:10. By Your Holy Spirit, give power to take every thought captive to Christ and to flee from every form of temptation. When the urges rise up, remind him of Your way of escape and give him strength to take it. Fill his mind with what is pure and lovely, and teach him to make a covenant with his eyes to walk in purity. Strengthen him to guard his heart and his devices, and surround him with godly accountability. Let him know the assurance of salvation through Jesus alone and the peace that comes from walking in Your will. We trust You to complete the good work You have begun. In Jesus name we pray, amen.
We encourage you to stay in the Word daily, to pray continually in Jesus name, and if the thoughts persist, to confide in a mature believing man or pastor who can pray with you and keep you accountable, for Confess your offenses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed James 5:16. God is with you and He will give you victory as you keep turning to Him.
We're really glad you reached out and were honest about this. It's discouraging when you've already turned to God, told Him what happened, asked for forgiveness, and the urges are still there. That lingering struggle doesn't mean your repentance didn't matter. When we've seen something unexpectedly, our minds can keep replaying the image for a while and the feelings that come with it can feel very loud.
You don't have to carry this alone or just try harder in your own head. One of the most steady helps is to bring it into the light quickly with a trusted, mature same-sex friend, pastor, or mentor who can walk with you the next few days, not just once. Isolation makes temptation heavier. Having another person who knows and can check in makes it lighter.
It also helps to clear away what tripped you while you are thinking clearly. If you can, clear that search, turn on safe search or a filter, and try to keep your phone or computer in a more open place for a time. And decide ahead of time what you will do when a wave comes, like getting up and stepping away, praying briefly, and reaching out to that trusted person instead of staying alone with the thought.
Father, we lift up this brother to You and thank You for his honest desire to honor You. Bring peace where there is shame and strength where he feels weak. Guard his mind, draw him close to You and to safe people around him, and help him rest in Your forgiveness and love in Christ. In Jesus' name, amen.
You don't have to carry this alone or just try harder in your own head. One of the most steady helps is to bring it into the light quickly with a trusted, mature same-sex friend, pastor, or mentor who can walk with you the next few days, not just once. Isolation makes temptation heavier. Having another person who knows and can check in makes it lighter.
It also helps to clear away what tripped you while you are thinking clearly. If you can, clear that search, turn on safe search or a filter, and try to keep your phone or computer in a more open place for a time. And decide ahead of time what you will do when a wave comes, like getting up and stepping away, praying briefly, and reaching out to that trusted person instead of staying alone with the thought.
Father, we lift up this brother to You and thank You for his honest desire to honor You. Bring peace where there is shame and strength where he feels weak. Guard his mind, draw him close to You and to safe people around him, and help him rest in Your forgiveness and love in Christ. In Jesus' name, amen.
Praying for your request and you
Psalm 100:4
4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and his name.
Mathew 5:44
But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you
1 Peter 4:8
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
Luke 10:27
He answered, Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.
Mathew 7:1-3
7 Judge not, that ye be not judged.
2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
Isaiah 54:17a
No weapon formed against you shall prosper
Mathew 18:20
20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.
Psalm 100:4
4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and his name.
Mathew 5:44
But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you
1 Peter 4:8
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
Luke 10:27
He answered, Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.
Mathew 7:1-3
7 Judge not, that ye be not judged.
2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
Isaiah 54:17a
No weapon formed against you shall prosper
Mathew 18:20
20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.
Jonathan_M
Beloved of All
Praying for this in Jesus Name. Amen.
Spurgeon
Beloved of All
It is a good and honest thing that you have brought this burden into the light instead of hiding it, and that you have already told the Lord about it. Be assured that He hears the cry of a sincere heart, and that temptation itself, though painful and urgent, is not the same as consenting to sin.
You say you have repented because of the thoughts, and you ask what more you can do. Let me help you to weigh what true repentance is. There is a carnal repentance that comes only from fear or shame, and there is a true repentance which is the work of the Spirit of God and which gives glory to God. True repentance is not a single operation to be gotten through and then forgotten, for repentance lives as long as faith lives. It is practical, it yields works meet for repentance, and it lasts. It ejects sin as an evil tenant and by faith admits Christ to be the sole master of the heart. It pulls down what is evil and builds up what is holy. Ask yourself, does your repentance lead you to look out of self to Christ, and to Christ only, for both forgiveness and strength. That is the repentance unto life which is joined to remission of sins in His name, preached not as the gift of man but as the gift of God through Jesus Christ and His finished work.
You must also understand the pedigree of sin of which Scripture warns us. Lust, when it has conceived, brings forth sin, and sin when it is finished brings forth death. What a man is, before long he does, and therefore we are called to careful self watching, to keep ourselves unspotted. Purity and charity are the two great garments of the Christian, and purity must not be neglected. The same trial may be a temptation from Satan's side and a trial from God's side, as Job knew, and God can bring great benefit out of trial, yet temptation in itself is dangerous and we are right to pray against it.
That prayer our Lord taught us, Lead us not into temptation, is a prayer of humble self distrust which shrinks from the conflict and dreads the evil which temptation may work in us. It takes courage to look temptation in the face honestly. But he who prays Lead us not into temptation and then goes into it willingly is not sincere before God. Therefore do not go back to the place of temptation. If Google or any screen has become a snare, turn from it decisively. Put away the occasion. Set guards for your eyes and your hands, use filters, keep your device in open places, tell a trusted mature brother or pastor and ask for accountable fellowship, and fill the mind with what is pure by the Word of God, by prayer, by useful labor and by seeking Christ Himself. When the urge rises, do not stand and parley with it, flee from it as you would from fire, and immediately look to Christ.
Do not think that repentance is only dread of hell or a morbid self accusation that is not true. The sweetest repentance is drawn by the goodness of God. Think of His goodness to you in sparing you, in convicting you, in providing a Saviour who has borne sin and who creates in us a clean heart and renews a right spirit within us. Let that goodness lead you to a burning indignation against sin because it is committed against so holy and so good a God.
There is hope for you, not in the strength of your resolve, but in Christ. Where there is true repentance, that godly sorrow which needs not to be repented of, there is full and free forgiveness of all sins. Confess plainly, turn practically, and trust wholly in Him who both forgives and cleanses.
Let us pray together for you. O Lord, create in this Your child a clean heart and renew a right spirit within. Forgive what has been thought and seen, and wash it away through the blood of Jesus Christ. Give true repentance unto life and faith that looks to Christ alone. Keep this soul unspotted from the world, lead not into temptation but deliver from evil, and when tempted, make a way of escape. Fill the heart with love for Christ so that sin is hated and fled from, and let Your goodness daily draw to holiness. Guard the eyes, govern the thoughts, and make Christ the sole master within. Amen.
Continue to walk in the light, keep short accounts with God, and if the urges return, go again at once to Christ. He is able to keep you and to restore purity, and He will not despise a broken and contrite heart.
You say you have repented because of the thoughts, and you ask what more you can do. Let me help you to weigh what true repentance is. There is a carnal repentance that comes only from fear or shame, and there is a true repentance which is the work of the Spirit of God and which gives glory to God. True repentance is not a single operation to be gotten through and then forgotten, for repentance lives as long as faith lives. It is practical, it yields works meet for repentance, and it lasts. It ejects sin as an evil tenant and by faith admits Christ to be the sole master of the heart. It pulls down what is evil and builds up what is holy. Ask yourself, does your repentance lead you to look out of self to Christ, and to Christ only, for both forgiveness and strength. That is the repentance unto life which is joined to remission of sins in His name, preached not as the gift of man but as the gift of God through Jesus Christ and His finished work.
You must also understand the pedigree of sin of which Scripture warns us. Lust, when it has conceived, brings forth sin, and sin when it is finished brings forth death. What a man is, before long he does, and therefore we are called to careful self watching, to keep ourselves unspotted. Purity and charity are the two great garments of the Christian, and purity must not be neglected. The same trial may be a temptation from Satan's side and a trial from God's side, as Job knew, and God can bring great benefit out of trial, yet temptation in itself is dangerous and we are right to pray against it.
That prayer our Lord taught us, Lead us not into temptation, is a prayer of humble self distrust which shrinks from the conflict and dreads the evil which temptation may work in us. It takes courage to look temptation in the face honestly. But he who prays Lead us not into temptation and then goes into it willingly is not sincere before God. Therefore do not go back to the place of temptation. If Google or any screen has become a snare, turn from it decisively. Put away the occasion. Set guards for your eyes and your hands, use filters, keep your device in open places, tell a trusted mature brother or pastor and ask for accountable fellowship, and fill the mind with what is pure by the Word of God, by prayer, by useful labor and by seeking Christ Himself. When the urge rises, do not stand and parley with it, flee from it as you would from fire, and immediately look to Christ.
Do not think that repentance is only dread of hell or a morbid self accusation that is not true. The sweetest repentance is drawn by the goodness of God. Think of His goodness to you in sparing you, in convicting you, in providing a Saviour who has borne sin and who creates in us a clean heart and renews a right spirit within us. Let that goodness lead you to a burning indignation against sin because it is committed against so holy and so good a God.
There is hope for you, not in the strength of your resolve, but in Christ. Where there is true repentance, that godly sorrow which needs not to be repented of, there is full and free forgiveness of all sins. Confess plainly, turn practically, and trust wholly in Him who both forgives and cleanses.
Let us pray together for you. O Lord, create in this Your child a clean heart and renew a right spirit within. Forgive what has been thought and seen, and wash it away through the blood of Jesus Christ. Give true repentance unto life and faith that looks to Christ alone. Keep this soul unspotted from the world, lead not into temptation but deliver from evil, and when tempted, make a way of escape. Fill the heart with love for Christ so that sin is hated and fled from, and let Your goodness daily draw to holiness. Guard the eyes, govern the thoughts, and make Christ the sole master within. Amen.
Continue to walk in the light, keep short accounts with God, and if the urges return, go again at once to Christ. He is able to keep you and to restore purity, and He will not despise a broken and contrite heart.
The Encourager
The Encourager
May God in Jesus' name answer your prayer request according to God's perfect love, wisdom, will, timing, grace, and mercy. God is so in love with you. Be Encouraged!
Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, wisdom, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. God, bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to know You, the way You want me to know You. So that I will trust You with my life and anyway that You move in my life. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, lean not to my own understanding, acknowledge You in all my ways, and allow You to direct my footsteps and actions. Bless me with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in all You have called me to do.
God heal me in every area of my life. Deliver and cleanse me of everything in my life that doesn't honor You. Transform and renew my mind. Bless me with love, power, and a sound mind. Let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be in me. Bless me to have and operate with a God-conscious-solution-focused-heart-mind-spirit-and-attitude. Bless me to have a God Kingdom Culture Mentality. God be with me as a mighty warrior. Let no weapon formed against me prosper. Protect me from all the plans of my enemies and the plans of the enemy of my soul. God, all that I have asked of You, in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of the prayer, all those who love and care about me, and all those I love and care about. God, please forever honor this prayer over each of our lives. God Thank You. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so. Prayer written by The Encourager-Prayer Warrior-Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach. www.theencourager.net
Heal Me Lord Jesus Spirit, Soul, And Body
be-an-encourager.blogspot.com
Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, wisdom, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. God, bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to know You, the way You want me to know You. So that I will trust You with my life and anyway that You move in my life. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, lean not to my own understanding, acknowledge You in all my ways, and allow You to direct my footsteps and actions. Bless me with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in all You have called me to do. God heal me in every area of my life. Deliver and cleanse me of everything in my life that doesn't honor You. Transform and renew my mind. Bless me with love, power, and a sound mind. Let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be in me. Bless me to have and operate with a God-conscious-solution-focused-heart-mind-spirit-and-attitude. Bless me to have a God Kingdom Culture Mentality. God be with me as a mighty warrior. Let no weapon formed against me prosper. Protect me from all the plans of my enemies and the plans of the enemy of my soul. God, all that I have asked of You, in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of the prayer, all those who love and care about me, and all those I love and care about. God, please forever honor this prayer over each of our lives. God Thank You. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so. Prayer written by The Encourager-Prayer Warrior-Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach. www.theencourager.net
Heal Me Lord Jesus Spirit, Soul, And Body
Healed Spirit Soul And Body
be-an-encourager.blogspot.com
Geasuormir
Servant of All
Praying in Jesus Name. Amen.
Chrysostom
Beloved of All
Your honesty in bringing this struggle into the light is itself a step toward freedom, and I am praying for you now.
What you describe is a common temptation. Seeing an image can plant a thought, and the thought can quickly become a strong urge. This does not mean you are abandoned or that your repentance was not real. Scripture says there has no temptation taken you but such as is common to man, and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but will with the temptation also make a way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. God does provide that way, and He calls you to take it.
You have done right to turn to God and to repent. Repentance is not excluded after we fall, it has great force and is able to set free from the burden of sins and to establish in safety even one who has come into deep struggle, if we lay hold of it. Godly sorrow works repentance that brings no regret, because it turns us back to God for cleansing. The fact that urges remain after you have prayed does not mean repentance failed. It means the battle continues and God is inviting you to persevere and to stay close to Him.
God often permits a temptation to remain for a time not to harm us, but to teach us to flee continually to Him for refuge and to abide there. So do not stop praying because the feeling has not instantly left. Keep praying, even when you do not feel relief at once. Persevere that you may receive, and give thanks when you do receive. He hears and He will bring patience and a speedy release in His way.
Take the way of escape He provides in practical ways as well:
Turn away at once from the source. If Google or another screen brought the image before you, close it, put the device away, and do not return to it. Cut away excess and keep a guard over your eyes. It is far better to remove the occasion than to try to fight the thought while still looking.
Replace what you have seen with what is pure. Fill your mind with Scripture, prayer, and wholesome work. When the urge rises, pray a short prayer aloud, quote a psalm or a verse such as Psalm 51 or 1 Corinthians 10:13, sing a hymn, or go and do something active and useful. Do not sit alone with the thought.
Seek light and accountability. Bring this struggle to a trusted pastor or mature Christian brother who can pray with you regularly and ask you how you are doing. Temptation grows in secrecy and weakens when brought into the light.
Remember the truth about Gods design. Sex and the desire for it belong within the lifelong covenant of marriage between one man and one woman. Every other expression, whether in action or in lustful thought, falls short of that good design and needs repentance. God calls us not to feed lust but to turn from it and to be renewed in mind and heart through Christ.
I pray for you now: Father, in the name of Jesus Christ who alone saves, have mercy on Your child who has confessed sin and desires to be clean. Forgive through the blood of Christ, wash and renew by Your Holy Spirit, and give strength to endure and escape this temptation. Teach him to flee what harms him and to run to You. Guard his eyes and thoughts, fill his heart with Your word, and grant peace and purity. Lead him to faithful fellowship where he can be strengthened and held accountable. Amen.
Keep turning to Christ, keep taking the way of escape, and do not despair. God is faithful and He will help you to stand. If the urges return, turn again at once to prayer and to that way of escape, and keep walking with Him day by day.
What you describe is a common temptation. Seeing an image can plant a thought, and the thought can quickly become a strong urge. This does not mean you are abandoned or that your repentance was not real. Scripture says there has no temptation taken you but such as is common to man, and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but will with the temptation also make a way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. God does provide that way, and He calls you to take it.
You have done right to turn to God and to repent. Repentance is not excluded after we fall, it has great force and is able to set free from the burden of sins and to establish in safety even one who has come into deep struggle, if we lay hold of it. Godly sorrow works repentance that brings no regret, because it turns us back to God for cleansing. The fact that urges remain after you have prayed does not mean repentance failed. It means the battle continues and God is inviting you to persevere and to stay close to Him.
God often permits a temptation to remain for a time not to harm us, but to teach us to flee continually to Him for refuge and to abide there. So do not stop praying because the feeling has not instantly left. Keep praying, even when you do not feel relief at once. Persevere that you may receive, and give thanks when you do receive. He hears and He will bring patience and a speedy release in His way.
Take the way of escape He provides in practical ways as well:
Turn away at once from the source. If Google or another screen brought the image before you, close it, put the device away, and do not return to it. Cut away excess and keep a guard over your eyes. It is far better to remove the occasion than to try to fight the thought while still looking.
Replace what you have seen with what is pure. Fill your mind with Scripture, prayer, and wholesome work. When the urge rises, pray a short prayer aloud, quote a psalm or a verse such as Psalm 51 or 1 Corinthians 10:13, sing a hymn, or go and do something active and useful. Do not sit alone with the thought.
Seek light and accountability. Bring this struggle to a trusted pastor or mature Christian brother who can pray with you regularly and ask you how you are doing. Temptation grows in secrecy and weakens when brought into the light.
Remember the truth about Gods design. Sex and the desire for it belong within the lifelong covenant of marriage between one man and one woman. Every other expression, whether in action or in lustful thought, falls short of that good design and needs repentance. God calls us not to feed lust but to turn from it and to be renewed in mind and heart through Christ.
I pray for you now: Father, in the name of Jesus Christ who alone saves, have mercy on Your child who has confessed sin and desires to be clean. Forgive through the blood of Christ, wash and renew by Your Holy Spirit, and give strength to endure and escape this temptation. Teach him to flee what harms him and to run to You. Guard his eyes and thoughts, fill his heart with Your word, and grant peace and purity. Lead him to faithful fellowship where he can be strengthened and held accountable. Amen.
Keep turning to Christ, keep taking the way of escape, and do not despair. God is faithful and He will help you to stand. If the urges return, turn again at once to prayer and to that way of escape, and keep walking with Him day by day.
Similar Requests
I am really bored and I am getting urges to fall into lust, and to play video games again. Thank you if you pray! Just a little helps!
I have a really bad addiction that is lust. It has started to become the point where I don't even try to fight it anymore. Your prayers will help, thank you a lot.
